Christmas, Bristol and Food
Earlier this month, we joined with 135 young people and youth leaders from different Bristol churches at The Mix.
As well as celebrating Christmas together, we invited those attending to join in with our quiz about Christmas food and the challenges faced by people in our city to access food over the last year. You can have a go at the quiz here!
Here are some of the ideas we gave on the night for how we might show God’s love in practical ways to those facing food poverty this Christmas and in the next year…
1) BE GENEROUS
It’s often said that Christmas is a time of giving, and in this season there are lots of great charities working to support the most vulnerable in our city who would gratefully receive donations to ensure they can keep giving support to those who need it. Whether you can give food, clothes, toys or a few pounds, every little helps!
2) Be THOUGHTFUL
We know that many of you will be buying presents for those you love this year, and while you’re thinking of what to get, why not think carefully about how your purchases can help others at the same time? One obvious way is to buy from charity shops, whose profit goes back to supporting other people but did you know that you can also support local charities while you shop online?
There are several organisations who will donate a portion of your spend to a charity of your choice, at no extra cost to you! Here are a few ways…
3) Be CREATIVE
Giving stuff is great, but what about when you don’t have a lot to give away yourself? We want to invite you to think outside the box in how you show love to others this Christmas. Here’s a few ideas to get you started…
Gather food donations from your neighbours to support a local foodbank, just like the Neighbourhood Champion scheme at North Bristol Foodbank
Make something (cards, cookies, whatever you’re good at!) and sell them to raise money for a local charity.
Host a ‘Mince Pie Mingle’ - invite your neighbours to join you outside the front of your home to enjoy some Christmas-themed refreshments - you never know who in your street might be facing food poverty at this time of year.
Got any other ideas? Let us know!
